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Kazakhstan opens 2 new rail lines

Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev said the opening of the Zhezkazgan-Beyneu and Arkalyk-Shubarkol rail lines Aug. 22 was one of the most important events of the year and will change the face of his country.

"This is a first for us. The Zhezkazgan-Beyneu and Arkalyk-Shubarkol lines will affect the fate and future of several of Kazakhstan’s regions for decades to come,” Nazarbayev said. “Since independence, we have not stopped building new railroads and have stepped up our efforts."

Construction involved 10,000 people and another 3,000 will gain permanent employment. The total length of the two rail lines is more than 746 miles and provides shorter routes to major locations.

“Zhezkazgan and Arkalyk are no longer dead-end stations. They are located along the path from Asia to Europe,” Nazarbayev said. “Kazakhstan benefits from its ability to reduce distances and delivery times. We have created a world-class railway network right here in Kazakhstan.”